In a heartwarming moment on NBC’s “The Voice,” GRAMMY® Award-winning singer-songwriter Lainey Wilson received a surprise invitation to become an official member of the Grand Ole Opry. The invitation was extended by none other than Opry member Reba McEntire. Wilson, a multi-platinum artist and reigning CMA and ACM Entertainer of the Year, will be inducted into the Opry family on Friday, June 7. This honour comes after her Opry debut on Valentine’s Day in 2020.
After Wilson’s performance on the show, McEntire joined her on stage, expressing her pride and admiration. “Lainey, I am so proud of you. You did a wonderful job. I have heard that I have inspired you in what you have done so far, and I am thrilled to death if I have had anything to do with your career because you are blowing it up. I was so proud of you at the ACMs the other night and I couldn’t be more proud to be the one that helps you continue to bridge the gap between our generations. I’d like to be the person to invite you to become an official member of the Grand Ole Opry.”
To commemorate the occasion, McEntire presented Wilson with a custom-made belt buckle featuring the words “Opry” and “Lainey” with “2024” on its reverse side, symbolizing her official induction year.
Dan Rogers, Opry executive producer, expressed his excitement about Wilson’s induction. “There is not a doubt in my mind that Lainey will make an impact on country music and the Grand Ole Opry for generations to come. On the eve of the Opry’s 100th year, we’re so very excited to say ‘welcome home’ to one of country music's great voices and personalities.”
Wilson shared her joy and gratitude for the honor. “I am so incredibly honored to be invited to become an official member of the Grand Ole Opry, and to have the legendary Reba McEntire surprise me during tonight’s show was such an unforgettable moment. This is something I’ve always dreamed of, ever since my first trip to the Opry when I was nine years old. I will never forget this moment!”
Lainey Wilson, who recently won the 2024 ACM Awards for ‘Entertainer of the Year’ and ‘Female Artist of the Year,’ was part of the Opry NextStage class of 2021 and has been a passionate advocate for the Opry. She has also mentored subsequent classes of Opry NextStage artists. Her new single “Hang Tight Honey” from her upcoming album Whirlwind is set to release on August 23. Wilson will kick off her 2024 headlining “Country’s Cool Again” tour on May 31 in Nashville, TN.
For more information and to purchase tickets, visit Opry.com or call 615-871-OPRY or 800-SEE-OPRY.
In a heartwarming moment on NBC’s ‘The Voice,' GRAMMY® Award-winning singer-songwriter Lainey Wilson received a surprise invitation to become an official member of the Grand Ole Opry. The invitation was extended by none other than Opry member Reba McEntire. Wilson, a multi-platinum artist and reigning CMA and ACM Entertainer of the Year, will be inducted into the Opry family on Friday, June 7. This honour comes after her Opry debut on Valentine’s Day in 2020.
After Wilson’s performance on the show, McEntire joined her on stage, expressing her pride and admiration. “Lainey, I am so proud of you. You did a wonderful job. I have heard that I have inspired you in what you have done so far, and I am thrilled to death if I have had anything to do with your career because you are blowing it up. I was so proud of you at the ACMs the other night and I couldn’t be more proud to be the one that helps you continue to bridge the gap between our generations. I’d like to be the person to invite you to become an official member of the Grand Ole Opry.”
To commemorate the occasion, McEntire presented Wilson with a custom-made belt buckle featuring the words “Opry” and “Lainey” with “2024” on its reverse side, symbolizing her official induction year.
Dan Rogers, Opry executive producer, expressed his excitement about Wilson’s induction. “There is not a doubt in my mind that Lainey will make an impact on country music and the Grand Ole Opry for generations to come. On the eve of the Opry’s 100th year, we’re so very excited to say ‘welcome home’ to one of country music's great voices and personalities.”
Wilson shared her joy and gratitude for the honor. “I am so incredibly honored to be invited to become an official member of the Grand Ole Opry, and to have the legendary Reba McEntire surprise me during tonight’s show was such an unforgettable moment. This is something I’ve always dreamed of, ever since my first trip to the Opry when I was nine years old. I will never forget this moment!”
Lainey Wilson, who recently won the 2024 ACM Awards for ‘Entertainer of the Year’ and ‘Female Artist of the Year,’ was part of the Opry NextStage class of 2021 and has been a passionate advocate for the Opry. She has also mentored subsequent classes of Opry NextStage artists. Her new single ‘Hang Tight Honey' from her upcoming album ‘Whirlwind' is set to release on August 23. Wilson will kick off her 2024 headlining ‘Country’s Cool Again' tour on May 31 in Nashville, TN.
For more information and to purchase tickets, visit Opry.com or call 615-871-OPRY or 800-SEE-OPRY.
